History

Hussain ibn Ali was a 7th century revolutionary leader who made the ultimate sacrifice for social justice in the face of corruption and tyranny. He gave everything he had, including his life, for the honour of those around him.

Hussain ibn Ali was born in 620 AD to a family famed for their values of love, honour and peace. Raised by his grandfather Muhammad (the last prophet of Islam), Hussain was known for his integrity, generosity of spirit and blindness to colour and social class. It was for this reason that people flocked to him and his family.

Hussain was a man of integrity and honour.

Despite cultural expectations of him as a ‘prince’ of his tribe and a prominent figure in the Islamic Empire, Hussain would shun the grandeur of his status in favour of breaking bread with the poor and needy. He broke all cultural moulds, brought people together and helped where he could.

Not long after the passing of Muhammad, the leadership of the vast Islamic Empire had fallen into the hands of the corrupt. The good values that Muhammad had spent his life instilling into society was slowly eradicated as the new ruler, Yazid, from the Ummayad dynasty was determined to gain complete control.

Hussain ibn Ali is buried today in the land of Karbala, Iraq, where millions of visitors come annually to pay homage.

Hussain made a selfless stand for social justice.

Hussain witnessed the basic rights and dignity of his people being violated, and good values from his society being drained. Yazid ruled with an iron fist, and demanded Hussain pay him allegiance to lend credibility to his own rule.

Hussain had to make a decision… Should he give his oath of allegiance to a tyrant – and stand aside as the people were being oppressed? Or make a stand and risk his own life? The timeless words of his grandfather Muhammad echoed in his heart, and Hussain knew what he had to do:

“The greatest stand is to speak the word of truth in the face of a tyrant.”

Hussain ibn Ali is remembered around the world as a symbol of resistance who stood for humanitarian values.

Hussain made the ultimate sacrifice.

Hussain chose to stand against Yazid and was forced to leave his home city under the threat of assassination. Alongwith his family and companions, Hussain made his way towards the East seeking to gain support for his uprising and avoid any violence. It was on this journey Hussain, his family and companions were forced to stop by an army of over 30,000, on the hot plains of a land called Karbala.

In 680 AD, after three days of no water and food in the scorching heat, Hussain stood and fell valiantly to defend those around him being oppressed and whilst standing for his principles. What makes Hussain’s stand extraordinary is that he chose to stand against a mammoth army despite having only 72 companions with him.

“Death with dignity is better than a life of humiliation.”

– Hussain ibn Ali

Hussain’s legacy continues to inspire.

Through this tragic end but heroic act of sacrifice, Hussain was ultimately victorious. His death became the catalyst for revolutionary change and led to the collapse of Yazid’s tyrannic rule. Hussain stood by his principles till the very end, and his legacy continues to inspire millions around the world.

From civil rights leaders like Gandhi who was inspired by Hussain’s stand, to volunteers at local charities – people across the world are inspired by his selflessness, courage and determination. The story of Hussain ibn Ali stands as an inspiration to all, no matter what colour or creed.

Millions of people around the world mourn the death of Hussain on the Day of Ashura, which marks the anniversary of his martyrdom.